The GIH Health Policy Exchange is held annually to provide policy-engaged funders with information on current issues, access to leading thinkers, and as a venue to make connections with grantmaking peers. The 2025 theme was Protecting the Freedom to Give. Against a backdrop of recent federal funding cuts, executive orders, and threats to philanthropy, it is more important than ever for health funders to educate, advocate, and collaborate to support the people, places, and things that are important to us.
On Tuesday, November 18, we led GIH Hill Day, leading conference attendees to directly engage with policymakers to underscore the critical role of health funders and share how policy changes are affecting communities nationwide. This full-day event included a training and practice session, meetings with policymakers and their staff, and a debriefing session.
Wednesday kicked off with a local perspective from two DC Area foundations focused on building health equity, then delved into Medicaid policy changes and funder strategies for how to respond. Thursday we learned about the critical importance of a strong SNAP program, the health effects of immigration policy changes, and how to communicate the role of health foundations. After the Lauren LeRoy Health Policy Lecture, we charted the path forward for health equity, and workshopped collaborative opportunities for funder policy engagement followed by appetizers and open time for networking. Friday we focused on strengthening health funders’ legal strategies, the link between health and democracy, and concludes the conference with collaboration/response workshop and an unprogrammed networking lunch.
Closing Remarks: 2025 Health Policy Exchange
President and CEO of Grantmakers In Health (GIH), Cara V. James, delivered closing remarks at the 2025 Health Policy Exchange, “Protecting the Freedom to Give” in Arlington, Virginia.
Lauren LeRoy Health Policy Lecture
The Health Policy Exchange features the Lauren LeRoy Health Policy Lecture, a lecture series established in honor of former GIH President and CEO Lauren LeRoy and her commitment to increasing communication between the worlds of philanthropy and policy. This year’s speaker was Keshia Pollack Porter, Dean of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
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Join us again next year for the chance to discuss these important topics, network with policymakers and other funders, and identify opportunities for collaboration.